Robo Cop The Contender?

I don’t know how you can watch Gregory Rodrigues fight and not love “Robo Cop.”
The 32-year-old Barack Obama impersonator has only been on UFC’s roster for a little more than three years and nine fights, but he’s made an immedia…


UFC Fight Night: Njokuani v Rodrigues

I don’t know how you can watch Gregory Rodrigues fight and not love “Robo Cop.

The 32-year-old Barack Obama impersonator has only been on UFC’s roster for a little more than three years and nine fights, but he’s made an immediate impression as a wildly fun fighter. For better or worse, he only delivers dominant finishes or back-and-forth wars. A jiu-jitsu black belt with quality wrestling, Rodrigues loves nothing more than throwing down in the center of the Octagon.

Rodrigues’ kill-or-be-killed approach to combat sports has earned him a handful of performance bonuses and some fan adoration, but there are drawbacks as well. Most notably, he got absolutely blasted by a Brunno Ferreira overhand back in Jan. 2023 (watch it). Though “Hulk” is a deceptively crafty fighter, few expect any kind of title run from the brawler, and the loss seemed to solidify Rodrigues’ ceiling as an action fighter.

Since then, he’s won three straight bouts and hasn’t lost a round. He’s made considerable adjustments, relying on more rounded and more consistent offense rather than toughness and heavy overhands. Make no mistake, he’s still pushing a hard pace and aiming for the knockout, but Rodrigues is taking fewer shots in the process.

Undoubtedly, it’s a step in the right direction.

Middleweight doesn’t have many well-conditioned fighters who can wrestle and grapple at a solid level, so it would be a shame for “Robo Cop” to set aside all those skills and only brawl. Equally, it would be a shame if one of the division’s most exciting fighters embraced lay-and-pray.

His recent performances have been a best of both worlds scenario, in which Rodrigues climbs the ranks while still being very fun to watch. The question is whether he can actually break into title contention, and Jared Cannonier — who he battles at UFC Vegas 102 this weekend (Sat., Feb. 15, 2025) in Las Vegas — is a perfect opponent to find out. As it stands, Rodrigues is unranked, whereas “Killa Gorilla” is No. 7 in the world.

He’ll do more than merely break into the ranks if victorious.

At age 40, Cannonier is no longer at his peak, but he still took rounds off current No. 1 contender Nassourdine Imavov just last year. He’s still a dangerous contender — just ask Marvin Vettori — and is capable of testing Rodrigues development.

If “Robocop” tries to brawl or fails to manage his gas tank, Cannonier will punish him in violent fashion. On the flip side, Rodrigues can prove with a victory that he’s mastered his own skill set. By mixing up all his technical abilities and pushing a pace without getting sloppy, he has the potential to skyrocket up the rankings and enter a new class of competition.

The Brazilian talent will always be worth watching, but at UFC Vegas 102, we find out if he’s developing into a serious title threat.


Remember that MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC Vegas 102 fight card right here, starting with the ESPN+ “Prelims” matches online, which are scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. ET, before the main card start time at 7 p.m. ET (also on ESPN+).

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